NASA astronaut to help
judge state science fair

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Star-Bulletin staff

NASA astronaut Richard Linnehan, who was on the last space mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, will be a celebrity judge at this year's 45th Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair Tuesday and Wednesday at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

More than 470 young scientists from 74 public and private secondary schools will compete for more than $60,000 worth of awards.

The State Science Fair participants were selected from district and school science fairs.

Their research ranges from exploration of local bays, rivers and beaches to testing effectiveness of ancient Hawaiian and Asian remedies.

They investigated bacteria, viruses and fungi, designed and built models of future homes, bridges and airplanes, tested household products and ventured into outer space.

The number of projects represents a 12 percent increase over last year, said Shiyana Thenabadu, State Science Fair director.

Physics, math, computer and engineering areas haven't been well represented in the past, she said.

The fair is open free to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Students will set up their exhibits Monday and they will be judged by scientists Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Linnehan will join scientists in the judging and talk to students from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in Pikake Hall.